Islamabad, April 27: Thirteen men accused of involvement in the gang-rape of Mukhtar Mai ? who became a cause celebre for her campaign for justice ? have been freed from a prison in Punjab province after their acquittal was upheld by Pakistan’s Supreme Court.
The men, including members of a village council who had allegedly ordered the gang-rape of Mukhtar Mai in 2002, were freed from the Central Jail in Multan yesterday in the wake of the apex court’s verdict.
The Lahore High Court had initially ordered the release of the 13 accused in 2005.
Mukhtar Mai had challenged the High Court’s order in application filed in the Supreme Court.
The apex court upheld the High Court’s decision last week and said the accused should be freed if they were not wanted in any other cases.
-Agencies